Chpt. 3

Question 1

Why are neurotransmitters important for understanding psychoactive drugs?

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of the brain. Psychoactive drugs work by modifying their activity.

Question 2

How does the structure of a synapse relate to its function?

Answer 2

Structure supports function by ensuring directional, specific, and controlled communication.

Question 3

What criteria must be met for a substance to be considered a neurotransmitter?

Answer 3

(Made, Broken, Released, Binds)
1. Neuron must have chemical and a way to make it
2. Must have a way to break it down/inactivate it
3. Must be released when neuron is stimulated
4. Must bind to receptors to cause an effect

Question 4

What are the steps involved in synaptic neurotransmission?

Answer 4

(Make, Fire, Release, Change, Clear)
1. Neurotransmitter is made & stored in vesicles
2. Action potential fires to presynaptic terminal
3. Neurotransmitter is released & binds to postsynaptic terminal
4. Triggers changes in postsynapic membrane
5. Neurostrasmitter is removed

Question 5

What is a retrograde messenger and how does it differ from a classical neurotransmitter?

Answer 5

Retrograde messengers: lipid and gaseous transmitters, released by the postsynaptic. Classical neurotransmitter, released by the presynaptic cell first.

Question 6

How do ionotropic receptors differ from metabotropic receptors?

Answer 6

Ionotropic receptors: ‘fast’ receptors that consist of 4 or 5 subunits with an intrinsic ion channel. Metabotropic receptors: ‘slow’ receptors but response lasts longer, consisting of one subunit, with 7 trans-membrane domains.

Question 7

What are second messengers and how do they alter neuronal activity?

Answer 7

Second messengers are molecules inside the cell that activate protein kinases. They alter gene expression and modify receptor sensitivity.

Question 8

How can psychoactive drugs specifically act to alter synaptic transmission?

Answer 8

Act by mimicking neurotransmitters, blocking receptors, inhibiting neurotransmitter breakdown, and blocking reuptake.

Question 9

How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters as chemical signaling agents?

Answer 9

Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream while neurotransmitters control the nervous system.

Question 10

Why is it important for psychopharmacologists to understand hormone function?

Answer 10

Drugs can alter hormone secretion and cause physiological abnormalities. Hormones can alter responses to drugs and can have psychoactive properties.